Dennis Smith Jr. thought the Knicks might draft him back in 2017, but that didn't happen.

He still ended up with them eventually.

The Knicks acquired Smith in the trade last week that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks, giving them a point guard who could potentially be a part of their future.

Smith still needs to develop, but he has the athleticism and skill set to be the type of point guard the Knicks haven't had in a while, especially his ability to drive inside.

"'He’s an explosive athlete. He’s added definitely a new dynamic to us athletically. He’s got an extra gear from speed. You could see how he gets off the floor," coach David Fizdale said. "He’s a big-time athlete. I think that’s just good to add to the mix of athletes that we already brought in."

Smith had 25 points, five rebounds and six assists in the Knicks' 105-92 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. But he was only 11-of-25 from the field, including 2-of-9 from three-point range.

"He took total command of the team tonight," Fizdale said. "It was really fun to watch."

Smith said Fizdale has given him freedom, and he's responded.

"I definitely feel free playing here," Smith said. "Love it. I just love going out there and playing. He gives that freedom to everybody on the team. I feel like whenever you do that, you get guys to really play hard for you on both ends."

The Knicks were interested in Smith before the 2017 Draft, but former team president Phil Jackson drafted Frank Ntilikina with the eighth pick instead. Smith went to the Mavericks at No. 9.

Smith had a big rookie season, averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, putting him in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.

While Smith was surging, Ntilikina was struggling to find consistency. He averaged just 5.9 points last season, the same he's averaging this season.

Many fans lamented the Knicks' draft decision.

Early last season, LeBron James said the Knicks "passed on a really good one, and Dallas got the diamond in the rough."

"When he said that I was just like, 'Man, that’s one of the greatest to ever play this game showing love," Smith said. "That’s big bro. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. I took that as a compliment because that was a higher draft pick, obviously. But everything comes full circle. It was written, it must have been meant for me to be here."

Smith said he and Ntilikina were in the gym together getting shots up on Monday night.

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It remains to be seen how Fizdale finds playing time for all his guards after the addition of Smith. Both Emmanuel Mudiay and Ntilikina are out with injuries but are expected back either right before the All-Star break, or right after it.

Fizdale said he's working through deciding how the pieces fit together. He previously said he could see Smith and Ntilikina playing together in the backcourt, assuming Ntilikina isn't traded before Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline.

Smith has a fresh start with the Knicks after things turned sour in Dallas.

He missed six games because of what the team said was injuries and illness, but it reportedly had more to do with the trade rumors swirling around him.

Smith just wishes there was one more game against Dallas on the schedule.

"I just want to play them," Smith said. "If they wanted to package me, DJ and Wes and send us over here. I just wish they would have did it before we didn’t play them anymore – that’s it.'